FBI Says Teen Sextortion Is On The Rise; Parents On Mission, Son Is Dead

MILWAUKEE – Sextortion is a growing crime that affects thousands of teens each year, according to the FBI. Now, two parents are making it their mission to educate the public after they say the practice took the life of their only son.

“He really had a big heart,” Timothy Woods said.

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For Timothy and Tamia Woods, photos and memories are all they have left of their 17-year-old son, James. He was a popular athlete set to start college in 2022, but this November marks two years since he took his own life.

“We just didn't know. He didn't have any issues with depression,” Tamia said.

The parents said their son was the victim of financial extortion. Tamia said someone online obtained sexually explicit images of James and threatened to send them to his family and friends if he didn't pay.

“We found that James had sent 200 messages in 19 and a half hours by at least four different people,” she said.

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The parents traveled to Milwaukee on Saturday to speak at a seminar on sextortion. They said that in these situations, teenage victims like their son often feel helpless.

“Since it's a form of blackmail, there's a chance it will never stop,” Timothy said.

According to the FBI, between October 2021 and March 2023, the bureau and the Department of Homeland Security received more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. These incidents involved more than 12,000 victims – mostly boys – and led to at least 20 suicides.

Since James' death, Tamia and Timothy Woods have launched the Do It For James Foundation. They work to raise awareness about sextortion and how to combat it. They said parents should educate themselves about it and show leniency to their children, while advising them to never send money, cut off all communication and seek help.

“We just encourage people to stand up and ask for help,” Timothy said.

“We need you here. There is no future without you,” Tamia said.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988; this number will connect you to suicide and mental health crisis resources in your area.